THE ARROW.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 50, 21 October 1863, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE ARROW.

(fbom oub own cobbespondent.)

October 19th, 1863.

The past week of cold weather and almost incessant rain has alternated very disagreeably with the few bright sunshiny days we had previously enjoyed. On Thursday, the Arrow River rose considerably, and as the day advanced, serious apprehensions were felt that the strength of the new dam would not be sufficient to withstand the force of the water, —at one time there were not less than three hundred men gathered on the flat anxiously watching the effect of the flood on the work which had just been completed with so much labor. Fortunately, it stood the test well, having only given way at one point where the whole force of the current was concentrated. This damage has since been repaired, and the river has nearly subsided to its usual level. Whilst on this subject, I would note that in my last report on the works at the dam the word " majestically" was inadvertently printed for " energetically." The hard-working individuals whose labours were alluded to have certainly no very " majestic" appearance, looking more like athletic mud-larks than " scions of a noble race," and the structure itself embodies an idea of being decidedly more useful than ornamental. Higher up the river, and at the Twelve.Mile diggings, several small dams have been washed away, and the miners were considerably alarmed for the safety of their tents, tools, sluice-boxes, and other etceteras; luckily the flood attained its highest point during the day time, and parties thus had a chance to take all necessary precautions ; the actual loss of property has therefore been slight, but a serious check has been given to all mining operations. On the Upper Shotover, the flood has been much more severely felt, the rain having brought down an immense quantity of snow, increasing the volume of water almost to the extent experienced during the late winter floods.

At Stapleton's and Welshman's Beaches, the result of several weeks' labor was utterly destroyed, and much damage has been done at Maori Point, which is the more to be regretted, as claims in that locality were fast increasing in value—an eighth share in one claim there having been sold for £l2O, just previous to the flood. Many packers and residents up the river are making anxious enquiries as to the result of the proposed new Twelve-mile track. I have been informed that the plan and report thereon was some time since forwarded to Dunedin. The route surveyed, follows very nearly the bridle track at present in use, avoiding, however, the boggy ground at the foot of the Big Hill; although there are no very serious engineering difficulties to overcome, the surveyor's estimate of the cost of the work exceeds £IOO ; this sum, however, is a mere trifle compared with the advantages which will result from the opening up of a direct and certain line of communication for the daily increasing traffic in that direction. Much dissatisfaction is expressed at the present uncertain arrival and departure of the Dun stan mail As a general rule business men have long since given up the idea of depending on its regularity, and many took the precaution to post their home correspondence several days previous to the 14th inst., on which day the English mail was presumed to close here. Many miners, however, living at a distance only posted their letters on SunJ.iy last, and are now much disappointed to find that the letters could not possibly arrive at Dunedin in time for the mail steamer, as the mailman did not actually leave here with the down mail until Friday morning. This delay can only be attributed to the careless arrangements of the contractor, and was entirely beyond the control of our postmaster. Further news of Dr. Hector's expedition is anxiously looked for. The pioneer miner Fox is reported to have already made tracks for the West, and many other parties have formed their plans for action as soon as the Dr's report is made public. Like the Israelites of old, our wandering miners wait with their loins girded ready for a start into the wilderness.

October 20.

A report has just reached me from the Dunstau, that very heavy floods have occurred in that direction.

The Molyneux has risen considerably, and all work on its banks has been suspended. Quick k Co., who have lately put a new <;oach on the road between Dunstan and Kawarau Junction, have been compelled to cease running it for the present, in consequence of the track having been washed away in places by the rising of the river. At the Roaring Meg, the Wakatip Gold Escort was delayed all night on its way down, in consequence of the crossing being impassable. It did not arrive in Dunstan until Saturday afternoon.

The proprietor of the Roaring Meg Accommodation House had a very narrow escape from drowning. In attempting to take a horse over the ford laden with flour and groceries, the current swept the animal off its legs, carrying both man and horse some distance down the stream; fortunately, the load drifted away from the saddle, and the horse was then just able to struggle to the bank with its rider. Both were much exhausted, and to the terrified lookers-on their escape seemed almost miraculous.